EPA grants E15 waiver for 2001-2006 vehicles

The EPA today announced that it has waived a limitation on selling gasoline that contains more than 10 percent ethanol for model year (MY) 2001-2006 cars and light trucks. This waiver allows fuel to contain up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) for these vehicles.

“Recently completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks,” said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. “Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps.”

This announcement follows EPA’s announcement last October that E15 could be used for MY 2007 and newer vehicles. The EPA has not allowed the use of E15 for MY 2000 and older vehicles. The EPA also announced that no waiver is being granted this year for E15 use in any motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines because current testing data do not support such a waiver.

EPA is currently developing requirements to ensure that E15 is properly labeled at the fuel pump to prevent fueling into vehicles, engines and equipment not currently approved for the higher ethanol blend.

EPA granted the waiver after considering the E15 petition submitted by Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers in March 2009.

Tom Buis, CEO, Growth Energy, said, “This is a bold move forward, changing America’s energy future for the better. Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs, and improve the environment by displacing conventional gasoline with a low-carbon fuel.”